For the first time ever at ZSL London Zoo guests will be able to experience a trail of light whilst the animals are tucked up in bed between 22 November – 1 January 2019.
I was invited on a complimentary basis along with some other community members to enjoy the Christmas trail.
Christmas at London Zoo
London Zoo has been up and running since 1826 which was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles which has seen a number of achievements and changes in their conservation work in the wild as well as at ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos. Read further about ZSL London Zoo by clicking here.
This winter London Zoo will transform for short period of time giving guests an after dark experience created in partnership with Raymond Gubbay and designed by Culture Creative.
Adventurers will enjoy more than 100,000 pea-lights along this shimmering trail which is full of seasonal sparkle.
Following projected lit up footprints of animals along the trail guests will be able to enjoy this outdoor festive trail which is a mile long whilst walking through glistering vortex type tunnels, pass surrounded lit up historic buildings and be amazed by illuminated wild animal sculptures plus much more all whilst enjoying festive sounds, and wandering amongst seasonal colour.
Children will love peering into Father Christmas’s shops and meeting his wooden reindeer.
Children will even get to see Father Christmas himself helping a zoo keeper keeping away naughty pixies.
Also this would not be a zoo experience without a lit up animal or two.
Sparkly animals
Glowing fountain at the iconic old unused penguin pool
This is a 11 metre-tall tree made out of 365 illuminated wooden sledges.
Adventuring through you’ll also will be able to stop off at a Christmas village pop up, which you’ll be able to purchase mulled wine and even luxurious marshmallows which can be toasted over a fire. No festive stroll would be complete without a mulled wine or hot chocolate under glittering stars.
Why not even take a ride on their vintage carousel as you soak up the colourful atmosphere at Barclay Court.
Before the trail is nearly over pause for a moment and take in the historic Mappin Terraces as Magic Mountain springs to life with a splash of colour and playful projections!
Plus before leaving why not pop in to one of the gift shops and purchase an irresistible gift or two for yourself or a Christmas present for a loved one.
Roaring with delight
I loved this magical trail and even though I was slightly disappointed in not seeing any animals as they were all tucked away asleep I enjoyed the twinkling of the lights and sounds of Christmas.
This certainly was a different illuminated trail to any others that I have been to in the past and one that I feel any animal lover would enjoy.
Gir Lion Lodge
Ever wanted to sleep over at the zoo?
Make your evening evening extra special with a stay at Gir Lion Lodge. Sleep over in one of the cosy lodges nestled in the middle of the Land of the Lions exhibit.
I never got to stay in the Gir Lion Lodge but if you have never been to London Zoo why not make the most of the zoo by booking a stay in at Gir Lion Lodge.
The Gir Lion Lodge is situated in surroundings inside the Land of the Lions exhibit within roaring distance of their four Asiatic lions. Imagine waking up to the sounds of roaring lions, hooting langur monkeys and squawking parrots and flamingos.
Inspired by hotels from Gujarati, India where lions roam these beautifully decorated lodges will give guests a traditional feel each which are themed on a different animal which can found in the Gir forest.
ZSL London Zoo’s nine lodge cabins are cosy with either double or twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. Each lodge even has a private veranda so that you can enjoy your bedtime tea or hot chocolate whilst listening to the sounds of the Zoo at night.
Upon checking in you’ll be greeted by your host before being led to your lodge to unpack. Then before you start your nights trail with your host you’ll be served a delicious two course dinner. Your host for the night then will take you on a magical adventure tour.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast you will then be taken out into the zoo to discover what their animals get up to as they wake up before anyone else!
If you would like to book a stay at Gir London Lodge click here for further information and prices
Book Christmas at London Zoo
22 November 2018 – 1 January 2019
Adult tickets from £16.50
Child tickets from £10.50
If you have ticketing enquiries click here.
Note: This is an after-dark experience exploring the magic of ZSL London Zoo’s historic site and therefore the animals will be in bed and will not be available to view. However a day & evening ticket can be purchased at an extra cost if you want to see the animals before night sets in.
Thanks to London Zoo for letting me and some other members of Love Pop Ups London come along to take in the magical festive lights of ZSL London Zoo. The experience was complimentary but all views are my own honest opinion.
Click below to read the blogs from other community members whom joined me on the night. All their views are of their own honest opinion
“I love going out discovering new and existing restaurants, theatres, immersive experiences and so much more but I also love staying in and discovering new gadgets, gaming and cooking.
